State Parks - Pocahontas State Park - Education Support Specialist - Open Until Filled

Hourly Rate: $14.00

About the role

Pocahontas State Park, located in Chesterfield County, Virginia, is seeking a self-motivated individual to support our Educational Programs and Visitor Experience Department. This position provides meaningful educational opportunities and experiences for park guests by interpreting the significance of the park's natural, historical, and cultural resources. Responsibilities include staffing visitor contact areas, performing interpretation programs throughout the park, answering telephones, providing area information, and adhering to the DCR and State Park mission.

Responsibilities

• Daily planning and conducting of interpretive programs and educational outreach, including corresponding with park guests, schools, scout groups, home school organizations, etc. about programming.
• Providing animal caretaking.
• Maintaining outside and inside visitor facilities, ensuring grounds are free of litter, including cleaning and restocking restrooms, emptying trash receptacles, and sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors.
• Communicating with other park staff to ensure facility cleanliness and adherence to DCR and park regulations.
• Maintaining all interpretive resources and ensuring they are in good working order.
• Creating new programs and working with local organizations to diversify programming.
• Writing blogs and posting photos to Flickr.
• Attending professional development workshops and seminars, and obtaining facilitator certification in curriculum guides such as Project Wild.
• Assisting park visitors using good customer service techniques.
• Keeping accurate records (statistics, visitor contacts, facility visitation, program participation).
• Administering basic first aid and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Prior experience in biology, history, parks and recreation, or wildlife studies.
• Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to organize and conduct nature, cultural, and historical programs for all ages.

Qualifications

• Experience and/or education in biology, history, parks and recreation, elementary education, or wildlife studies.
• Experience in natural or historical interpretation, including knowledge of Virginia history, understanding of ecology, and familiarity with the area's flora and fauna.
• Experience in marketing, advertising, and promoting programs and special events.
• Conversational speaking skills in world languages, including but not limited to: Spanish, American Sign Language, Arabic, etc.

Special Instructions

• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.
• Selected candidates must complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form; DCR participates in E-Verify.
• A valid State Driver's License is required if operating a state or personal vehicle for agency business.
• Wage/seasonal positions are not eligible for benefits and are limited to 1,500 hours from May 1 to April 30.

Benefits

DCR employees are entitled to the following discounts:

• Free parking or admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• Free camping outside of the Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day period in sites designed for up to six people.
• Free camping Sunday night through Thursday night (excluding the night before a holiday) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
• Fifty percent discount on cabins (up to 3 bedrooms) outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, for a maximum of 14 nights. All reservations require a two-night minimum. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one-night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.